The science of hugs and why they (mostly) feel so good

Apr 12, 2016 13:03 pm UTC| Health

Hugging it out is often touted as a good way to solve a problem. Now a group of Europeans have decided that thats all Britons need to convince them to stay in the EU. Their #hugabrit campaign, in which people send in...

Handle with care – the world's five deadliest poisons

Apr 12, 2016 12:24 pm UTC| Health

When asked to name a poison, people may well think of cyanide, arsenic or strychnine. But these are not the most toxic substances known. More poisonous than these, but still not near the top of the tree, is tetrodotoxin,...

What's the most hygienic way to dry your hands?

Apr 12, 2016 12:18 pm UTC| Health

We are always told how important it is to wash our hands to stop the spread of infections. What many people dont realise, however, is that the way we dry our hands after washing them could have just as big an effect on our...

Skateboarding is good for you – and good for public places

Apr 12, 2016 07:02 am UTC| Health Sports

The City of Melbourne is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to resurface Lincoln Square, a popular square in inner-city Carlton, to make it unsuitable for skateboarders. The square is widely regarded as one of...

Retirees, don't worry about your health deteriorating – leaving work can be good for you

Apr 12, 2016 06:44 am UTC| Insights & Views Health Life

A few years ago, my mother had a bit of a crisis in the lead-up to her retirement. She struggled with her self-worth, perceived value to society and fears of boredom. Shes not alone in her worry. The literature suggests...

Health Check: does sex count as exercise?

Apr 11, 2016 08:57 am UTC| Health

Sex isnt only a pleasurable experience, with some reports claiming the act also has health benefits that can be compared to those of exercise. In fact, the physiological response to sex is similar to that of exercise....

Death of a partner can endanger your heart health

Apr 10, 2016 00:56 am UTC| Health

For decades, medicine has recognised the powerful way grief can influence the heart. Its been called Broken Heart syndrome or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and evidence that severely stressful life events increase the risk of...